15 of the Best German Christmas Markets to Visit

The German Christmas Markets are world renowned. They usually run for the 4 weeks of advent, beginning at the end of November, and some run right up until Christmas Day. They sell traditional crafts, gifts and great festive food & drink and are well worth a visit to soak up the festive spirit. Here are 15 of the Best German Christmas Markets to Visit this year.

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#1. Cologne

The Cologne Christmas Markets are open from November 27th to December 23rd 2017. In Cologne you are treated to large and small Christmas Markets, dotted throughout the city.

The larger markets are held near Cologne Cathedral, and take place under a huge Christmas tree set next to a stage, with a diverse programme of live music performances.

At the Heimat der Heinzel, visitors can skate on an amazing ice-skating rink and afterwards enjoy baked apples, cinnamon biscuits and mulled wine.

Top Tip:If you are travelling with children head along to the Medieval Market at the Chocolate Museum, where children smaller than the sword get in for free!

#2. Freiburg

The Freiburg Christmas Market is open from November 27th to December 23rd 2017. Visitors can enjoy up to 130 stalls, selling a variety of local festive gifts and edibles.

Many stallholders will be making the crafts on-site so you can see how your gift has been created before you purchase it.

If it is open, take the cable car up into the Black Forest for a spectacular walk high above the city.

Top Tip:If you are lucky enough to visit on December 6th, St Nicholas will in the square in front of the town hall at 5pm with gifts for all the children, and will be telling a Christmas Story.

#3. Leipzig

It consists of more than 250 Festive stalls set around the city centre. It boasts a Finnish Village, Giant Ferris Wheel, 20m tall Christmas Tree and a Fairy Tale Forest, along with all the traditional crafts, gifts, music and eateries associated with a great Christmas Market.

Top Tip: Make sure to get a birds eye view of the Christmas Market form the top of the 38m high Ferris Wheel!

#4. Dortmund

The Dortmund Christmas Market is open from November 23rd to December 30th 2017. Set around the world’s tallest christmas tree soaring 45 metres above the market, there are up to 300 stalls selling Christmas delights for all ages.

There is plenty of entertainment for both young and old in the Christmas Village.

Top Tip:For adults make sure to try the Dortmund Christmas Liquer, only made at this time of year.

#6. Berlin

Berlin has up to 60 Christmas Markets annually with markets for everything from crafts to dogs! You can also enjoy a vast Winter Wonderland World and large Christmas Market from November 3rd to December 31st 2017 at Potsdamer Platz.

Alexanderplatz is home to our favourite Berlin Christmas Market, and is open from November 27th to December 23rd, 2017. It houses small wooden huts under the TV tower, selling seasonal crafts, food and gifts. The centre-piece is one of Europe’s largest Christmas Pyramids which glows with thousands of lights, and gives you a birds eye view of the market while a brass band entertains. You can also enjoy ice-skating on the outdoor rink.

Top Tip:Make sure to visit Unter den Linden at night to see the amazing lights on the trees.

#7. Nuremberg

Christkindlemarkt, the Nuremberg Christmas Market, is open from December 1st to December 24th 2017.

The opening ceremony of the Christkindlemarkt is spectacular. This year it takes place at 5.30 on December 1st. The market always opens on Friday before the 1st Advent.

Enjoy everything from Christmas decorations to the famous Nuremberg Bratwurst and Gingerbread. Select gifts for yourself or loved ones that are truly unique, and will bring joy when they are opened on Christmas morning.

Top Tip: While you are there enjoy a trip on the traditional Stagecoach Tour.

#8. Dresden

This year it celebrates it’s 583rd anniversary, making it Germany’s oldest Christmas Market. Here you will find top quality local crafts and gifts along with great festive food and drink, which are all produced locally.

Top Tip:Visit the Medieval Market where the stall holders are all in traditional costume.

11. Trier

It houses 95 festively decorated wooden stalls selling toys, craft decorations, glassware, ceramics along with great festive food and drink. The market is alll set under the lights from the Trier Cathedral.

13. Bremem

The market is set near the harbour on the banks of the River Weser, and a visit here feels like stepping back in time, filled with magical stalls, street entertainers and twinkling lights.

Enjoy the unique aroma and taste of smoked fish and freshly baked bread along with other traditional fayre.

Top Tip:Take a visit the old town while you are there.

#14. Bonn

Full of the sights and smells associated with Christmas the Bonn Christmas Market is open from November 24th to December 23rd 2017.

It takes place around the many squares in the central district, and offers a feast for all the senses with many beautiful gifts for sale, and plenty of delicious food and drink to enjoy while you visit.

Top Tip: Make sure to go skating on the little ice-rink.

#15. Aachen

Aachen lies in the middle of Europe bordering both Belgium and the Netherlands.

The Aachen Christmas Market is open from November 18th to December 23rd 2017, and people come from far and wide to sample the freshly baked traditional Christmas cakes and biscuits on offer in and around the Cathedral and Town Hall.

There are plenty of activities for both young and old at this Christmas Market and exciting crafts and gifts to purchase.

Top Tip: You should have a go on the beautiful Carousel, no matter what age you are!

Have you visited any of the our top 15 German Christmas Markets? Please let us know in the comments box below.